If you’re interviewing for a lesser position, you may be considered "overqualified.” Usually, this means that your professional or education accomplishments exceed the employer’s expectations. In turn, the employer may fear that you may be bored by the position, that the salary may be insufficient or that you may leave once you find a “better” position elsewhere. To turn this tide in your favor, take some time to clearly define your reasons for seeking a lesser position and then fortify your stance with some restrained self-promotion.

Prepare your strategy

1. Write down your reasons for seeking a lesser position. Perhaps you want to break into a new industry or work your way up in a large, growing company. Perhaps the lesser position represents a quality of life change, allowing you more time with your children and family. Be certain that your reasons for seeking a lesser position are solidified in your mind because if you aren’t convinced, you probably will not be able to convince a prospective employer.

2. Review the job description in terms of your skills. Be ready to point out that you are up to the challenges and would be able to hit the ground running on the new job. When the opportunity presents itself, quash the idea that you are not “overqualified” but “fully” qualified for the position.

3. Prepare a list of your key personal attributes and mention them when the opportunity arises during the interview. For example, describe why you are able to work with people at all levels of an organization. Cite your organizational or project management skills, being sure to mention specific accomplishments. Point out the benefits of your can-do attitude.

Let the questioning begin

1. Answer questions about potential boredom by focusing on what appeals to you about the position. For example, say, "I wouldn't take a job I'm not excited about, and I'm excited about this one because…” If the job represents a shift to a new field, explain that you understand that you must work your way up and are eager to learn.

2. Address questions about a non-management position by saying, for example, that while you enjoyed managing people in the past, you are ready for a change. Leave the door open to future management roles and do not say anything negative about the challenges of managing others.

3. Quash money-related questions and fears by saying that you are evaluating the job as a whole and that salary represents only a piece of the whole. Admittedly, this can be a tough sell because many people still believe that "money talks." Make your convictions talk louder by leveling with the interviewer. You might say, for example, "While important, salary is not my top priority" or "At this point in my career, I'm more focused on having a job I really enjoy."

4. Blunt fears about leaving the company for a better position elsewhere by using some key words and phrases. Saying things such as, "I've always wanted to work for this company because…” or "This position would provide me with the long-term growth potential I'm looking for because…" demonstrate that you are thinking long term, not short term.

5. Respond to questions about your ability to take direction from younger, less experienced people by underscoring your maturity and sensibility. Stress that you are a team player and pride yourself on working well with all kinds of people of various ages and backgrounds.

6. Wrap up the interview by explaining how you would be a good fit and a wise hire. If the conversation doesn't lend itself to a clean segue, ask the interviewer to describe his "ideal" candidate. Listen carefully and then, in your own words, explain how you fit his criteria.

Tips

Offer to work for the company for a 60- or 90-day "trial period," if you're so inclined and if you think such an offer might seal a job offer. This will give you time to put your words into action and prove that this lesser position proved to be right for you after all.

Remember that even if an interviewer puts you on the spot and challenges your reasons for seeking a lesser position, this is not necessarily a rejection. Treat it as an opportunity to show that you really want the job, that you will stay a reasonable time and that you will be a valuable asset.

About the Author

With education, health care and small business marketing as her core interests, M.T. Wroblewski has penned pieces for Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and many newspapers and magazines. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.